Marlene L. Schroeder, 63, of Northwood, died Thursday, July 18, 2013, at her daughter’s home in Mason City after a courageous battle with cancer. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church, 100 S. Pierce Street, Mason City, with the Rev. Paul Collier officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be from 2 to 5 p.m. today at Major Erickson Funeral Home in Mason City. Memorials may be directed to the Marlene Schroeder memorial fund in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.

Marlene was born Feb. 19, 1950, in Albert Lea, the daughter of Theodore and Cora (Swenning) Olson. Marlene had studied organ since the age of 13. Her instructors have included Maurice Andersen, Prof. Eugene Janssen and Paul L. Anderson, FFAGO. She attended high school in Albert Lea. Marlene was united in marriage to Vernon Schroeder, and to this union two daughters were born: Barb and Terri. She later continued her education at Metropolitan State College in Denver, Colo., where she majored in organ performance under the direction of Dr. Joyce Kull. While in Denver, she performed with the Colorado Orchestra on several occasions and also became the institutional sales manager and Rodgers Instruments representative at Wells Music.

After returning to Iowa, Marlene Schroeder joined the staff of Dewey Kruger Music (Northwood) in January of 1995 as the Rodgers Organ consultant and was factory-trained and an authorized representative of Rodgers Instruments in Hillsboro, Ore. Marlene was responsible for the development of the Rodgers Organ installations and training of the musicians.

Marlene has played the organ for numerous churches over the years, and most recently played for the First Presbyterian Church in Mason City, where she was a member. She was also a member of the American Guild of Organists. She truly enjoyed playing the piano and organ. Marlene also enjoyed raising Appaloosa horses and had a great love for all animals.

Marlene is survived by two daughters: Barbara Hodge and husband Llew of Mason City, and Terri Smith and husband Dan of Cresco, Iowa; four grandchildren: Krystine Hodge and her significant other Matt Hutchens of Mankato, Robert Hodge and fiancée Katy Pfeiffer of Austin, Ashley Olson and husband Nick of Cresco, and Derek Praska of Cresco; four great-grandchildren: Skylar, Quinzey, Jazzmine and Zoie; and her sister: Carolyn Noland of Albert Lea. She is also survived by several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers: Laverne, Manville and William Olson; and her common law husband JJ Hunerra.

She will be deeply missed.

Major Erickson Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. The funeral home is located at 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City. It can be reached by calling 641-423-0924 or at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.